The 62-year-old was diagnosed with the terminal illness in September 2012. He had been experiencing symptoms for two years, and after doing research was somewhat prepared when his diagnosis was confirmed. However, David hid his illness from his three children, who were then in their mid-20s.

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He said: "That was the hardest thing - I had to tell them I had MND just before Christmas."

David, who lives with wife Helen in Surrey, said he is doing everything he can to support this campaign as he feels it is his duty. "We're not asking for more money," he said.

"While that would be nice, we are simply asking for fast-track access to the benefits people with terminal illnesses need and deserve so affected families don't have to waste time fighting the system and instead can spend more precious time together, making memories."

David was forced to give up his job as managing director of a publishing company in the City three years ago.

He added: "I am fortunate to have a relatively slowly progressing form of MND and so have time to advocate on behalf of those for whom progression is much quicker.

"Half of people die within two years of diagnosis - with that type of nuclear bomb dropping on your family, especially if you have young children, you shouldn't have to waste precious time fighting the system." Another petitioner was Mark Hughes, who faced "a nightmare" trying to claim benefits after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

David Setters, with wife Helen, is campaigning for others with MND (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster/Daily Express)

The 57-year-old, of Great Wakering, Essex, had been living with the disease for 11 years when doctors told him it had spread to his bones in 2011.

He said: "I told the DWP I was unable to continue working and a few days later I got the first set of forms to fill in.

"I had numerous letters from them over months with the same questions being asked over and over again.

"Sometimes forms were sent by mistake - I was having to deal with all of this while still dealing with the news that I was terminally ill.

"This is still going on today, even though they said I wouldn't be bothered until 2025. Every time I get a letter from the DWP, I'm worried."